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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Lynne

"Perfect fit for my daughter

My 17 year old daughter recently began taking lessons with Richard D., and we couldn't be happier. He is patient and encourag

ing, and he makes learning fun. She really appreciates the fact that he encourages her to work on music that she likes rather than telling her what songs to learn. He obviously knows his instrument, and clearly enjoys passing on his knowledge. A+ for this teacher!"

...

Saint Louis, MO teacher:
Richard D.

Review by c

"Ed is the BEST drum teacher in the area!

Our son has been taking drum lessons with Ed for many years. He really enjoys his weekly lessons and listening t

o Ed perform at various venues. Ed is very inspirational! Not only is he a fabulous teacher but also a true mentor! He encourages our son to always do his best not only at playing drums but in all aspects of life. Ed performs with many bands and is versed in all types of music. Based on his experience, awesome talent and wonderful teaching skills, he is truly the best drum teacher in the area!! We highly recommend him!"

...

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Ed R.

Review by Alice

"Karenâs recitals, showcasing 6 to 12 students each time, always thrillme. Men, women, boys, & girls of all ages and various degrees ofachievement st

and before their audience with confidence. They havepracticed, not only the pieces which they play, but showmanship, notpushy or cocky, but polite and welcoming. They make eye contact andsmile; some invite the crowd to sing along on the choruses. Even the1st year students exude confidence.

The crowd returns those smiles, along with cheers and clapping. Onecan tell that Karen has kindly and persistently shown and encouragedeach student. If any show fear, she does not chide; she accompaniesthem in the performance and nods approval as they continue. I watchthat fear subside. They are then met with handshakes and pats on theback. Next time, they will be even more eager to share the pieces thatthey worked on and not expect criticism.

Karen picks a theme and arranges guitar, piano, and voice selections,intermingled into a program that leaves a person well entertained andplanning to come back next time. I am not related to any of theparticipants and have no obligation to be at the recitals. I love themusic, the talent, and the progress that I see and hear. You, too,will be glad you came."

...

Phoenix, AZ teacher:
Karen R.

Review by Jonathan

"What an amazing person and teacher Ben is! He's energetic, articulate, and great at demonstrating the physicality of singing for a novice like me. I was o

verwhelmed at first by all the new information I learned about how to use my muscles to control airflow and volume in my mouth and chest, but Ben quickly made things fun and enjoyable, so it was never too much to handle.

I truly have enjoyed working with him, and he's also a great singer and just a really cool guy who made me feel comfortable and at ease. Even though I haven't had time to practice too much (practice is the #1 key to improving!), I've always looked forward to meeting with Ben to take my singing lessons.

I'll definitely be working with him more in the future. Thanks for making my introduction to proper singing techniques a really awesome adventure Ben!"

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Ben M.

Review by Yohan

"Excellent."

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Shannon K.

Review by Daniel

"Billy is great--very knowledgeable, interested in teaching you how to teach to and play yourself rather than doing one individual song per lesson, as so m

any teachers do. He's also easy going and incredibly helpful."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Billy N.

Review by Sash

"Christian is one of the best online teachers you could find. He's highly disciplined, and always maintains schedule. His teaching techniques shows his o

verall expertise in all his offerings. Christian is always upbeat and friendly. He always follows up after lessons to go over the areas covered and what the student should focus on prior to the next lesson. You cannot go wrong trying him out."

...

Rochester, NY teacher:
Christian D.

Review by Rohan

"A good teacher, well organized and structured lessons."

San Diego, CA teacher:
Joe Danny O.

Review by Michelle

"I actually had a drum instructor before I started with Aaron and ended up ditching him because Aaron was ten times better. I didn't feel like I was in a b

oring classroom lecture, I was hands-on and learning to play music that I loved. While learning all the basic techniques I also had the freedom to be myself in the process, which I'm a big fan of. Would recommend him to anyone! Great guy. 5 stars."

...

Nashville, TN teacher:
Aaron T.

And they're not alone! Our teachers have taught

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Popular Music Teachers Near Clayton

Chase R.

About Chase

I started playing guitar when I was in the 8th grade. At that time I was into punk, and as I got older I moved into listening to classic rock, then blues, then all sorts of jazz and jam bands, and now classical and sacred art. And my playing of the guitar has following the same trajectory: I played in the style I listened to. One common thread through all of this has been an, at first unconscious, but now fully conscious focus on the art of improvisation.

Improvisation is central in my own playing, and what I deliberately bring my students to do. And this is not something vainly indiv

idualistic. Franz Liszt, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin; Coltrane, Miles; Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan; Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Clapton; SRV, Albert King, BB King: what do all of these musicians have in common? They improvised, and were very good at it in their respective genres. Improvisation is a truly important aspect of playing music, and one which I will give due focus to. Besides this, I will teach the student technique, chords, scales, songs (chosen by both the student and, at times, myself), and later on: theory (including harmony and ear training).

I have a Master's Certificate in Theory, Harmony and Ear Training from Berklee College of Music's online extension.

*** Lesson Details ***In my 'about me' section I have laid out in a general fashion what I will teach you.

I am very patient with my students. I focus on the qualities of effortless action, patience, contentment with our current abilities while striving to attain (eventual) mastery.

*** Travel Equipment ***I can provide an acoustic guitar, a tuner, picks, and sheet music. I expect the student to have a guitar, a tuner, extra strings, and picks.

*** Specialties ***I specialize in modal improvisation. I also can teach some art philosophy and philosophy related to art.

...

Reviews

Amanda C. March 24, 2015
Guitar ·
In home Verified Student

My 15 year old daughter began taking weekly lessons with Chase just 2 and a half months ago, she is already writing her own songs and plays guitar for us in the evenings.

Chase is a very good instructor, Rebecca rattles off all kinds of musical terms to me now and it's like she knows a whole new language!

Munjula P. March 3, 2015
Guitar ·
In home

During my lessons with Chase Robinson, I have learned and done a variety of things. Chase has many admirable qualities like his patience, friendliness, and positive attitude, all these things contribute to an enjoyable, informative lesson. He allows one to focus on things that are preferable to you, like learning more songs or doing more music theory. I have learned improvisation, to play songs, notes, and much more. Not only has Chase taught me so much, but has fostered more of my understandment for music and has been as inspirational figure

Melissa O. February 18, 2015
Guitar ·
In home Verified Student

Chase has been working with my two daughters (ages 10 and 6) and me for a few months now. We enjoy our individual guitar lessons and appreciate Chase's ability to modify each lesson based on our progression. Chase is always prompt and organized. As a mother and a student, I highly recommend him.

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Chase R.

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Chase R.

Antioch, CA 94509

(6)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

Didier B.

About Didier

My music education began at age 8 when, after a year of pestering my parents, I got my first guitar. My self-taught forays began casually at first, until I was introduced to the likes of Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton (the Cream years) and then later, Frank Marino, John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, and Allan Holdsworth. By age 15, it was "all about the guitar: eat-sleep-school-guitar," with many countless hours burning the midnight oil, deciphering the solos of my heroes. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area after high school and began studying guitar under the mentor-ship of virtuoso Marc Bonilla (who

has worked with such luminaries as Ronnie Montrose, Derek Sherinian, Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple). Bonilla has since moved to L.A. to pursue an impressive career as a film and T.V. composer, while I stayed on in the Bay Area as full time working guitarist/studio musician/composer/teacher.

My love and passion for teaching guitar is matched only by my love of studio and stage performance as a full time professional musician.

My ability to play many different styles of music has led me to a great diversity of music projects over the years. This versatility has afforded me work with Latin jazz, Caribbean (soca), nouveau flamenco, world-beat, hard rock, and blues bands all over the San Francisco Bay Area for the last 20 years. This also includes a stint with a San Francisco based funk-jazz quartet that performed, among other things, funky and creative renditions of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock.

In 2005 I released a solo rock album called âLeft Turn on Spanish Highwayâ. The music on this CD is a passionate blend of hard rock instrumental guitar with contemporary flamenco rhythms (think Gipsy Kings meets Joe Satriani). It has received a lot of five star reviews on online stores such as iTunes and CD Baby.

My Jeff Beck-ish electric guitar style has been repeatedly featured in live performances by the world-renowned vertical dance troupe Project Bandaloop in San Francisco, Oregon, and at the Banff Center for the arts in Alberta Canada.

My acoustic guitar performances are heavily featured on the 2004 album "Despi A Alma" by internationally acclaimed fado singer, Ramana Vieira, and subsequently, on her 2009 follow up release, âLagrimas De Rainhaâ.

In the late 90âs, I had the opportunity of challenging my improvisational skills, by performing many seasons with San Francisco's longest running theater improv troupe, Flash Family, where I was called upon to create on-the-spot compositions in real-time, to match the actorâs unscripted and unpredictable story lines.

In the audio/visual world, I've composed music for film and a children's story. I frequently collaborate with local film, theater and T.V. composer Chris Houston (my musical contributions to Houston's compositions can be heard in the movie "Enchantedâ, which in the past has enjoyed wide circulation on Showtime, and also on the soundtrack to the Marin Theater Companyâs 2009 production of âMagic Forrest farmâ, and the San Francisco Playhouseâs production of âOur Lady of 121st street.

Currently, Iâm the lead guitarist for the San Francisco funk-rock originals band, FiveDown, fronted by R and B singer Ishtar Monique. Other music projects include co-writing, recording and producing an upcoming album for the Marin based hard rock band, Urban Fiction. I continue to perform on occasion around the bay area as solo guitarist for corporate events and weddings, and also with Ramana Vieira and ensemble where my Al Di Meola-style approach to acoustic lead guitar playing is sought.

*** Lesson Details ***Think of me not only as your teacher, but also your dedicated coach, whose purpose and goal it is to help you reach your highest musical aspirations. I am very passionate about teaching guitar. Your success is my success. Iâm also very patient and easy going but will push you gently when you need it, to ensure your continued musical growth and success. I will not only teach you what you want to learn, but also what you need to learn in order to progress. During your first lesson with me, Iâll spend some time finding out what your goals and aspirations are, then develop a lesson plan from there. The lesson plans are used as a guide and also as a way to track and monitor your progress.

You will be taking your lessons with me in my home recording studio, which will make learning a lot more fun, creative and rewarding. Youâll also be able to record yourself performing songs and pieces youâre working on, from time to time. Recording yourself is an excellent way to see where your strengths and weaknesses lie; it will also help you to develop a critical and discerning ear.

When applicable, I like to use my studentâs favorite songs as a vehicle for learning crucial aspects of music study, which include music theory, scales, chords, arpeggios and of course, proper technique. I also like to encourage and support sight-reading for very young students and have developed ways to make that fun, interesting and rewarding.

*** Studio Equipment ***The studio has a keyboard, computer with music tutorial software, and guitars. The studio also has an ample supply of books, DVD, and transcription materials. The studio also has amps to be a working studio. The studio also has a nice seating area for parents.

I like to meet students were they are musically and build from there. Typically, I like to use a repertoire of songs that inspire them; using their favorite songs (when appropriate) as a means of learning theory, harmony, and technique. Over the years, I've learned that the most important first step with any student (specially beginners), is to get them playing right away - the emphasis is always on fostering love and enjoyment for music - as they move through proficiency levels at their own pace. Having said that, I do like to make sure they are pleasantly challenged but not frustrated (beginners), is to get them playing right away - the emphasis is always on fostering love and enjoyment for music - as they move through proficiency levels at their own pace. Having said that, I do like to make sure they are pleasantly challenged but not frustrated.

...

Reviews

Auncharee W. June 4, 2013
Guitar Verified Student

Didier is an Amazing Teacher!

My 8 yr old daughter has been taking lessons from Didier for the past 6 months and looks forward to her lessons each week. He challenges her while still keeping it fun and teaches her songs that interests her. Didier is a wonderful instructor who is very patient, kind, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. He is an extremely talented and passionate musician who enjoys teaching and it shows.

Sailaja S. November 13, 2012
Guitar Verified Student

Guitar lessons experience with Didier

Hi,here to share my wonderful experience in taking guitar lessons with Didier. Being a beginner, I have started learning the way to hold the guitar, strings, it's notations etc from him, off course the journey still continues.....I am happy that I found an instructor with lots of patience, talent and skill to groom me further in this music world:)

Josephb February 28, 2012

Great Teacher

My son is attending lessons with Didier for few months now. He started from scratch and now he is starting to rock. We drive for lessons every weekend from far away and it is definitely worthy...

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Didier B.

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Didier B.

Concord, CA 94519

(4)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

Ken W.

About Ken

At age 12 Ken picked up a guitar and fell in love with the instrument. He began with an obsession with Metallica and related bands that later evolved to a passion for classical and jazz music, music theory.

From 2008 -2010 completed the music program at Diablo Valley College in June of 2010, which includes extensive coursework in Music theory, Piano and Guitar. Since 2011 Ken has been a Jazz Guitar Performance Major at Cal State East Bay. There he has studied Classical and jazz Guitar performance with world class musicians.

"Music has many different levels and the beautiful thing is the

re is a place for everybody. I have spent a lot of time throughout my music career going “back to basics” in order to become a better musician. We are all capable of becoming great musicians and just because someone can play faster than you doesn't necessarily make them better. Music provides everything from healing power to just plain fun for the human spirit so I always encourage students to go at there own pace and work within their abilities."

*** Lesson Details ***20+ years experience as a musician and teacher Ken has taken self taught route and the lessons route. "I believe 100% that being taught by someone who has sufficient experience really provides the roadway for a solid foundation whether you are planning on being a pro, just for fun and all levels in between. The combination of self-discipline and a good teacher are a must to have as a musician."

Amongst many other approaches of teaching music, I try to instill the 3 most lacking areas most musicians usually have to begin.

1. Sight reading: Unfortunately most common with guitarists! Tablature is a somewhat useful way to start but reading music will open many doors and opportunities for any musician

2. Collaboration: A teacher provides one way of collaboration as well as a band or an ensemble at school or in the community.

3. Improvisation: I provide a music theory background and I have a method plan for chord progressions, and help with learning the entire guitar.

I take step-by-step approaches towards giving a student encouragement and instilling music appreciation. I am very organized so every lesson will be documented and we will work on specific areas of fundamental development. Most of all have fun! That what gets us playing music in the first place!

*** Travel Equipment ***Their own instrument and any necessary cables, amps etc. for them I will provide my own

*** Specialties ***I mostly specialize in jazz and classical guitar and have taught blues, rock, metal and Latin American guitar. All ages and all levels. I also teach western music theory (classical and jazz) from the baroque period to modern day. I teach beginning piano which consists of the basic fundamentals (i.e. scales, posture hand positions, etudes and beginning repertoire)

...

Reviews

Rahul S. November 6, 2014
Classical Guitar ·
In home

Ken is an awesome teacher and an great person. He teaches my 5 year daughter and she loves his lessons and his jovial approach. Within 4 weeks, she has picked up a lot of things and is improving day by day. He is patient as you ought to be with the kids and yet persistent enough to stick to the task.

I am really looking forward to them picking up songs in the coming lessons. I will recommend him anytime and completely vouch for his credentials and ability as an excellent guitarist as well as teacher.

Jon C. August 18, 2014
Classical Guitar ·
In studio Verified Student

Ken is a talented musician, nice person, and a fantastic teacher. I wanted to branch out into classical guitar after many years of playing other styles. Ken was good at adapting to my background and goals.

Francesca G. June 30, 2014
Guitar ·
In studio Verified Student

Ken W. is an awesome teacher, my daughter loves her lessons with Ken, he is very patient kind and makes my daughter feel very comfortable. He also is very positive inspiring. I plan on keeping Ken as my daughters instructor for a very very long time

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Ken W.

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Ken W.

Concord, CA 94521

(9)

starting at

$55
/ 30-min

Christian C.

About Christian

Christian has 20 years of teaching experience and 25 years of performance experience in a myriad of styles. He is currently enrolled at the Berklee School of Music (Boston, MA) through their online Music Production Degree Program.

Christian is also a member in the following organizations:

Vic Firth Education Team

Hudson Music Teacher Integration Program

Professional Drum Teachers Guild. He has studied privately with John Xepoleas, Steve Bowman (Counting Crows), Rob Hart, Alan Hall and currently with Mike Johnston.

Christian is also accepting a limited amount of students from the

age of 10 to adult, beginner to advance. He currently has openings at his Brentwood home studio on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The air-conditioned studio is equipped with 2 drum sets and professional digital recording equipment to capture each lesson. The latest educational DVD's and play-along/minus-drums CD's are also incorporated in the lessons.

Parents are encouraged to sit in on the lessons or they can relax or do some work in the internet ready waiting room. An annual recital is conducted for family and friends.

*** Lesson Details ***Sometimes the availability calendar is not updated in a timely manner.

Every student is different. Depending on their age and/or goals, this is the typical curriculum for a beginning (no experience) student.

Beginners (build the foundation)Technique - Hands: how to hold the sticks correctly- Feet: heel up or heel down technique

Reading - Explain note values- Explain drum set notation

Coordination and Timing - Learn basic beats to play music- Understand how to practice with a metronome- How to play along to music

*** Studio Equipment ***Home room converted with sound absorbing materials with 2 drum sets, acoustic and electronic. Air conditioned living room seating for parents. Audio recordings are provided for every lesson and portions of each lesson are also video recorded. I have a very friendly Golden Retriever.

...

Reviews

rita W. January 30, 2014
Drum Verified Student

Easy to sign up and Great customer service

My 12 yr old decided he wanted drums for Christmas and we knew that would include getting him lessons. Finding Christian through Take lessons was indeed lucky for my son. If you are looking for a teacher who is calm, level headed, knowledgeable and very easy to contact at anytime then Christian is who you are looking for. He has several students and they all come out happy and feeling good about their lessons. My son, even when not feeling great insist that he attend his drum lessons. compliments to the instructor.

Christian C.

Christian C.

Frank R.

About Frank

Frank is passionate about sharing the natural method of singing with students of all ages.

Frank received a Bachelor of Music in Voice performance from Indiana University, and is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique (Posture Awareness in Action).

He has taught vocal music at Elementary, Intermediate, High School and College levels.

His students have won college scholarships and music awards.

Frank has performed leading roles in Broadway shows, Light Opera and Opera.

His experience as a vocal musical specialist in schools has helped to shape of

method of instruction that is fun, easy and yields amazing results.

*** Lesson Details ***Frank's lessons are focused on achieving the students goals.

Students choose songs meaningful to them along with songs the teacher recommends to broaden their muscial appreciation and vocal skill. Styles of music include: folk, show, pop, classical.

Interpretation and acting skills are developed.

Students learn the language of music (rhythm, pitch, symbols ) through games and activities.

Students will find their voices getting stronger and more beautiful through increased awareness of posture, diaphragmatic breathing, and vitality of jaw movement. This creates a wonderful sensation of freedom and relaxation. In 3-6 months time the student will experience an increase in range, beauty and power. I can guarantee your most beautiful and powerful voice with perfect high notes in 3-5 years of regular lessons.

It was a great joy learning from Frank for the several weeks I had him as instructor. He has his own little studio at home, with his piano, so you can enjoy and be comfortable singing out loud without other disruptions. His method is very simple and effective. It's all about energy, posture, and jaw movement! I definitely saw a change in my singing after only two lessons of learning from Frank.

He is also friendly, smiling, and courteous! He'll start you with warm-ups and then end with songs/pieces to practically implement the movements you've learned during warm-ups. Try a lesson with Frank! You'll not regret it!

Diana D. May 17, 2014
Singing ·
In studio Verified Student

My daughter has been taking singing lessons with Frank for 2 years. She started lessons when she was only four and a half years old. She is now 9 years old and Frank is one of the best vocal teachers she has ever had. Frank is amazing with kids. He keeps my daughter focused and has fun with her at the same time. My daughter looks forward to her class every week. We've seen great improvement in her singing as well as her confidence. I have been extremely happy with Frank and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for vocal lessons--young and old.

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